I love serendipity.
I love the magic that happens when you let go and just trust in the right people and opportunities to flow to you.
On Wed, I was due to meet with the rep of a local newspaper to discuss a possible spot in a feature they are doing. Had no idea what it was about or even how he found me but said yes anyway.
So I rock up to Werribee Baptist before 2 pm and no one's there. I chat with the admin lady, who like me works p/t for the church, and start forming a lovely rapport with a lovely individual. Our conversation ends with her inviting me over for a cuppa the next time I'm at work.
I wait another 15 mins, and conclude that said person must be stuck in traffic or lost his way in the rain or maybe in an accident (oh dear!). When I get home, I call and leave a voice message for the person asking if he's okay.
I also decide that I'm going to let go of the outcome of this and not try to chase up on the matter.
Today, I get a call from said rep to find out what happened on Wed. Turns out he went to the Anglican Church on Synnot St and wondered why it was closed! We had a good laugh and right there on the line I felt a warm fuzzy feeling and the beginnings of rapport forming.
We've now made an appointment to meet up next Wed. Same time, same place, and this time he promises to look up the address and have my mobile number with him.
I finally got to ask him The Question: how'd you get my number?
"Oh, from the Council database."
"The Business Directory?"
"Yep, that's the one."
There's a good reason why the Business Development Officer at the Council kept encouraging me to get on the database, and I've emailed to let her know she was right!
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Friday, August 19, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Received some positive feedback from my boss and our Church Council chairman over the weekend.
It's a great feeling and makes me want to keep doing better in my new job.
My boss is going to be overseas the next couple of weeks, which I means I'm in charge of publishing the newsletter and running the office.
I've started compiling manuals and procedures to help me keep track of where everything important is, so everything continues to run smoothly in his absence.
Lots of gray areas and new questions keep popping up. Steep learning curve. But with God's help and the help of my church family, I know I can nail this. I'm gonna focus on the opportunities in the challenge and on making a difference in the wellbeing of our leaders and the running of our church.
It's a great feeling and makes me want to keep doing better in my new job.
My boss is going to be overseas the next couple of weeks, which I means I'm in charge of publishing the newsletter and running the office.
I've started compiling manuals and procedures to help me keep track of where everything important is, so everything continues to run smoothly in his absence.
Lots of gray areas and new questions keep popping up. Steep learning curve. But with God's help and the help of my church family, I know I can nail this. I'm gonna focus on the opportunities in the challenge and on making a difference in the wellbeing of our leaders and the running of our church.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Expanded version of Psalm 121
This is an experiment.
I have a vision of someday creating a ministry aimed at women who are depressed and discouraged. Music will feature hugely in this ministry because it is one of God's gifts to me and I want to use it to sow hope and encouragement.
In the footsteps of the Preacher in Blue Jeans who advocates that we should discover, develop and deliver our talents, I am now at the delivery stage, trying to find ways to get my music out to those who will hear.
Hence this video.
To the techies: I'm not sure if I should adopt a talk-to-the-camera approach like what the pros do on Youtube, as the focus is meant to be on the message and the music. Your thoughts please. :-)
Be Blessed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d1MNHNS-gc
I have a vision of someday creating a ministry aimed at women who are depressed and discouraged. Music will feature hugely in this ministry because it is one of God's gifts to me and I want to use it to sow hope and encouragement.
In the footsteps of the Preacher in Blue Jeans who advocates that we should discover, develop and deliver our talents, I am now at the delivery stage, trying to find ways to get my music out to those who will hear.
Hence this video.
To the techies: I'm not sure if I should adopt a talk-to-the-camera approach like what the pros do on Youtube, as the focus is meant to be on the message and the music. Your thoughts please. :-)
Be Blessed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d1MNHNS-gc
Friday, April 29, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Reason We Rejoice
Today was a very significant day for the Tan household.
It was our first Good Friday service at SDA, our congregation's spiritual home for the next 52 weeks, and also our first Combined Good Friday Service at Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre.
Being in a tiny room with just one guitarist, one drummer and a keyboardist (me) and rows of chairs - no pews - reminded me of my MYF and VCF days. Really, what more do we need to worship God meaningfully?
At the combined service, I was overwhelmed by the number of people present. All these my brothers and sisters from churches all over Wyndham. People I might have met in the Plaza or at school or on the street but never knew were fellow believers.
I loved the seamlessness of the musos (the mark of true professionals) and the way each pastor spoke masterfully during his allotted time, then made way for the next person.
Each led in his own special way, and each exhibited the sincerity, conviction and authenticity that to me is evidence of God's grace at work in his life.
I was particularly bowled over by the pastor who reminded us that in Australia, there are only two days in the year when Coles, Woolworths and Bunnings are closed: the day Jesus died, and the day He rose again.
Amen to that eternal and unchanging truth!
May all who have yet to say yes have that opportunity to do so before Jesus returns.
It was our first Good Friday service at SDA, our congregation's spiritual home for the next 52 weeks, and also our first Combined Good Friday Service at Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre.
Being in a tiny room with just one guitarist, one drummer and a keyboardist (me) and rows of chairs - no pews - reminded me of my MYF and VCF days. Really, what more do we need to worship God meaningfully?
At the combined service, I was overwhelmed by the number of people present. All these my brothers and sisters from churches all over Wyndham. People I might have met in the Plaza or at school or on the street but never knew were fellow believers.
I loved the seamlessness of the musos (the mark of true professionals) and the way each pastor spoke masterfully during his allotted time, then made way for the next person.
Each led in his own special way, and each exhibited the sincerity, conviction and authenticity that to me is evidence of God's grace at work in his life.
I was particularly bowled over by the pastor who reminded us that in Australia, there are only two days in the year when Coles, Woolworths and Bunnings are closed: the day Jesus died, and the day He rose again.
Amen to that eternal and unchanging truth!
May all who have yet to say yes have that opportunity to do so before Jesus returns.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Answered Prayer
After days of to-ing and fro-ing over the missing OTP, with both Auspost and Speedpost seemingly unable to assist, I finally received the news we had been hoping for from our agent in SG.
"I have just called speedpost, they managed to receive the item today afternoon!!.... So I should receive it either tonite or tomorrow
I will inform the buyer's agent now and will do the necessary."
This came 5 mins after I'd replied to her earlier email to let the buyers know we intended to honour our original agreement. They were apparently worried that we might change our minds, which would portend having to go through the househunting process all over again, when they had already sold their own flat.
Hubby and I had discussed and suggested to our agent that perhaps the buyers could wait for us to arrive in SG to re-sign the OTP if it really remained missing.
We must commend the customer service officer that I spoke with this morning - Michael.
Of the 3 officers I spoke with in the last two days, he has been the most helpful and compassionate. He took down my details and our agent's, promised he would initiate an investigation as our promised delivery time clearly exceeded the 2-4 business days guideline, allocated us a case number that we can use to track the progress of the investigation, and promised to contact Speedpost to find out what had happened.
We are guessing that it is his enquiry and contact with Speedpost that enabled them to suddenly retrieve our documents from their system.
Most importantly, this officer was the one who enlightened us as to how the EMS courier system works. Apparently, our documents left Melbourne and arrived in SG on the same day (a fact not mentioned by the other 2 officers) because flights between Melb and SG are direct.
So the delay has all this while been on the part of the SG side i.e. Speedpost. Without this clarification, we were unable to point the finger of blame at anyone.
While all this drama was going on, I remember thinking that perhaps God had other plans for our flat, and I prayed that we would remain within His will whatever happened.
Thanks be to God for His grace and provision. He really does take care of all our needs.
"I have just called speedpost, they managed to receive the item today afternoon!!.... So I should receive it either tonite or tomorrow
I will inform the buyer's agent now and will do the necessary."
This came 5 mins after I'd replied to her earlier email to let the buyers know we intended to honour our original agreement. They were apparently worried that we might change our minds, which would portend having to go through the househunting process all over again, when they had already sold their own flat.
Hubby and I had discussed and suggested to our agent that perhaps the buyers could wait for us to arrive in SG to re-sign the OTP if it really remained missing.
We must commend the customer service officer that I spoke with this morning - Michael.
Of the 3 officers I spoke with in the last two days, he has been the most helpful and compassionate. He took down my details and our agent's, promised he would initiate an investigation as our promised delivery time clearly exceeded the 2-4 business days guideline, allocated us a case number that we can use to track the progress of the investigation, and promised to contact Speedpost to find out what had happened.
We are guessing that it is his enquiry and contact with Speedpost that enabled them to suddenly retrieve our documents from their system.
Most importantly, this officer was the one who enlightened us as to how the EMS courier system works. Apparently, our documents left Melbourne and arrived in SG on the same day (a fact not mentioned by the other 2 officers) because flights between Melb and SG are direct.
So the delay has all this while been on the part of the SG side i.e. Speedpost. Without this clarification, we were unable to point the finger of blame at anyone.
While all this drama was going on, I remember thinking that perhaps God had other plans for our flat, and I prayed that we would remain within His will whatever happened.
Thanks be to God for His grace and provision. He really does take care of all our needs.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
When the best courier service fails
On 15 March, I went to Auspost to courier the Option to Purchase on our HDB flat to our real estate agent in SG.
Auspost recommended, and I accepted, the fastest and most expensive option: Express Courier International aka EMS.
Cost: about AU$38.
Expected delivery time was 2-4 business days.
By 21 March, the agent was emailing to ask why the documents had still not arrived. The intended purchasers were getting anxious.
So began my attempts to track said documents online and to contact EMS to follow up.
The tracking screen shows the following -
Auspost recommended, and I accepted, the fastest and most expensive option: Express Courier International aka EMS.
Cost: about AU$38.
Expected delivery time was 2-4 business days.
By 21 March, the agent was emailing to ask why the documents had still not arrived. The intended purchasers were getting anxious.
So began my attempts to track said documents online and to contact EMS to follow up.
The tracking screen shows the following -
Tracking summary
Friday, March 18, 2011
Declaring your faith on FB
Unwittingly created a mini-furore on FB when I innocently reposted a friend's comment.
Here's what the original post said:
I liked the forthrightness of it, so I took up the challenge.
Within 5 minutes, one friend had commented:
Otherwise known as emotional blackmail.
And another jumped in:
i agree with Thomas... not putting it in fb does not constitute denial.
it's no different to, say, jihadist saying that if you love allah, go blow yourself up...
As you can see, this is one of those emotional topics that can divide friends and create enemies.
But I have a clear conscience. I reposted with only the intention of declaring my personal faith. Not of deriding anyone else's views or of being a scaremonger.
So I am resting in God's supreme power and grace and ability to turn bad into good.
The word that He sends out will not return to Him void.
Here's what the original post said:
I liked the forthrightness of it, so I took up the challenge.
Within 5 minutes, one friend had commented:
Otherwise known as emotional blackmail.
And another jumped in:
i agree with Thomas... not putting it in fb does not constitute denial.
it's no different to, say, jihadist saying that if you love allah, go blow yourself up...
As you can see, this is one of those emotional topics that can divide friends and create enemies.
But I have a clear conscience. I reposted with only the intention of declaring my personal faith. Not of deriding anyone else's views or of being a scaremonger.
So I am resting in God's supreme power and grace and ability to turn bad into good.
The word that He sends out will not return to Him void.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Just when I stopped looking...
Last Oct, the Lord rekindled my songwriting ability.
Together, we wrote 2 songs - Do Not Be Anxious and The Song of Peter and John.
Then I got caught up in the dramatic possibilities of Paul's speech to the Athenians in Acts 17.
For days I kept going back to the words:
I see that you're religious
For as I walked around
I even found an altar
To an unknown God
Now what you worship as unknown
I will proclaim to you
The God who made the world and everything in it
is the Lord of heaven and earth
He does not live in temples
He is not served by human hands
For he gives all men life and breath and everything
But I just kept getting stuck. It wouldn't come.
So that's a draft I'll have to get back to at some point.
But here's the great news...
Yesterday (18 Feb 2011), I wrote my 3rd song!
The first draft was done in about 3 hours and is inspired by Psalm 121 and Lionel Richie's Hello.
I've titled it I Lift Up My Eyes.
I got started on it because I was trying to write something meaningful and encouraging for a recently bereaved dear friend.
The first person to hear it live was hubby. His comment: "Ah, the chords are very intricate, very hard for the congregation to sing. This is more of a solo performance."
Point noted.
He also suggested I add a longer intro, so that's what I've done. The vocals are a bit soft though, something to work on. (I never did get the hang of singing from my diaphragm!)
Verse 1:
I lift up my eyes to the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth
Verse 2:
He will not let your foot slip
He who watches over you will not slumber
He who watches Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep
Chorus:
The Lord watches over you
He's your shade at your right hand
The sun will not harm you by day
Nor the moon by night
The Lord will keep you from harm
He will watch over your life
He will watch over your coming and going
From now and forevermore
Back to verses 1 and 2 => Chorus => Repeat chorus
Together, we wrote 2 songs - Do Not Be Anxious and The Song of Peter and John.
Then I got caught up in the dramatic possibilities of Paul's speech to the Athenians in Acts 17.
For days I kept going back to the words:
I see that you're religious
For as I walked around
I even found an altar
To an unknown God
Now what you worship as unknown
I will proclaim to you
The God who made the world and everything in it
is the Lord of heaven and earth
He does not live in temples
He is not served by human hands
For he gives all men life and breath and everything
But I just kept getting stuck. It wouldn't come.
So that's a draft I'll have to get back to at some point.
But here's the great news...
Yesterday (18 Feb 2011), I wrote my 3rd song!
The first draft was done in about 3 hours and is inspired by Psalm 121 and Lionel Richie's Hello.
I've titled it I Lift Up My Eyes.
I got started on it because I was trying to write something meaningful and encouraging for a recently bereaved dear friend.
The first person to hear it live was hubby. His comment: "Ah, the chords are very intricate, very hard for the congregation to sing. This is more of a solo performance."
Point noted.
He also suggested I add a longer intro, so that's what I've done. The vocals are a bit soft though, something to work on. (I never did get the hang of singing from my diaphragm!)
Verse 1:
I lift up my eyes to the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth
Verse 2:
He will not let your foot slip
He who watches over you will not slumber
He who watches Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep
Chorus:
The Lord watches over you
He's your shade at your right hand
The sun will not harm you by day
Nor the moon by night
The Lord will keep you from harm
He will watch over your life
He will watch over your coming and going
From now and forevermore
Back to verses 1 and 2 => Chorus => Repeat chorus
Monday, January 17, 2011
What have I stored up in my heart?
No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.
Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.
People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.
For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:43-45
Was reflecting on this passage and several thoughts struck me.
Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.
People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.
For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:43-45
Was reflecting on this passage and several thoughts struck me.
- The quality of fruit is consistent with its source/parent. Good tree = Good fruit. Good fruit = Good tree. My actions will either bless or betray me. And others.
- Good and evil are stored up in the heart. They don't leak or deplete. They keep filling up till the container is full and overflows. For good or bad. Imagine a full petrol tank, a bank account will lots of zeroes (in the right places), a water tank after a rainy spell.
- Our speech reflects what's been quietly building up in our hearts. Sometimes, one remark is all it takes to reveal what's really important to us. Thoughtless words that hurt and demean could be traced back to negative thinking, wrong attitudes, a self-centred lifestyle, stimulation that entertains us but does not improve us. Trashy books, movies and TV shows. Acquaintances who pursue materialism, instant gratification of the senses and the attitude that you have only one life and you may as well enjoy it to the full, who cares about others and what they think. In contrast, words that help and heal and point someone to the straight and narrow path may well be the fruit of years of right thinking, right action, wholesome sources of stimulation, time spent reflecting on what is good and pure, a desire to be holy, a consistent walk with God.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
When did we last listen intently?
One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennasaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen who were washing their nets.
Luke 5:1
The part that captured my attention straight away was the phrase "the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God".
It suggests eagerness.
The people who were listening to Jesus couldn't get enough of his teaching.
They wanted more.
They wanted to know what was going on.
They wanted to know all about it.
Today, if there are crowds of people around an individual, listening avidly to what he/she is saying, my first thought would be that he/she is:
On the macro level, the things that captivate us: are they of the world or of God?
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
1 John 2:16
On the micro level, when we discuss the things of God, do we give a fair go to all who come bearing the good news?
Or do we reserve our deepest adulation and financial offerings for those who present well, speak the words we want to hear (e.g. similar doctrinal beliefs, same religious denomination), and look like how we aspire to look (e.g. fit, healthy, prosperous, attractive)...and give the rest one-ear-in, one-ear-out attention?
If Jesus came to earth today, would I be one of the crowd pressing in eagerly to hear what the Son of God has to say?
Or would I be someplace else busy with my own interests?
Luke 5:1
The part that captured my attention straight away was the phrase "the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God".
It suggests eagerness.
The people who were listening to Jesus couldn't get enough of his teaching.
They wanted more.
They wanted to know what was going on.
They wanted to know all about it.
Today, if there are crowds of people around an individual, listening avidly to what he/she is saying, my first thought would be that he/she is:
- a popular political leader
- a popular religious leader
- a celebrity
On the macro level, the things that captivate us: are they of the world or of God?
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
1 John 2:16
On the micro level, when we discuss the things of God, do we give a fair go to all who come bearing the good news?
Or do we reserve our deepest adulation and financial offerings for those who present well, speak the words we want to hear (e.g. similar doctrinal beliefs, same religious denomination), and look like how we aspire to look (e.g. fit, healthy, prosperous, attractive)...and give the rest one-ear-in, one-ear-out attention?
If Jesus came to earth today, would I be one of the crowd pressing in eagerly to hear what the Son of God has to say?
Or would I be someplace else busy with my own interests?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
When God leads worship
Sunday's worship was amazing, and I know I wasn't the only one who felt that way.
A couple of the Team 3 ladies (we haven't settled on a name for our team yet) who led the singing were in tears, and we agreed that God had been present in a very powerful way.
One of the ladies remarked that this is the reason why our team came together. I said jokingly to her that it was a good thing I didn't look at her or her fellow singers while I was playing, or I might have cried too!
The drummer told me I had played really well. And I know just what he meant. I thank God for His anointing, because I can feel the difference when He's there guiding my fingers.
Towards the end of the service, as the Holy Spirit took over, I had this strong urge to just let go and let my fingers do their thing without me consciously watching out for changing keys and sus chords. There was such an incredible sense of release and joy, of oneness and gratitude, of being in the moment and flowing along with the rest of the team and the singing of the congregation.
Wow.
A couple of the Team 3 ladies (we haven't settled on a name for our team yet) who led the singing were in tears, and we agreed that God had been present in a very powerful way.
One of the ladies remarked that this is the reason why our team came together. I said jokingly to her that it was a good thing I didn't look at her or her fellow singers while I was playing, or I might have cried too!
The drummer told me I had played really well. And I know just what he meant. I thank God for His anointing, because I can feel the difference when He's there guiding my fingers.
Towards the end of the service, as the Holy Spirit took over, I had this strong urge to just let go and let my fingers do their thing without me consciously watching out for changing keys and sus chords. There was such an incredible sense of release and joy, of oneness and gratitude, of being in the moment and flowing along with the rest of the team and the singing of the congregation.
Wow.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
How to expand your territories by Bo Sanchez
From http://bosanchez.ph/5-steps-on-how-to-expand-your-territories/
Key #1:
Believe You’re Bigger
It’s common fact that we only use 10% of our brain’s capacity.
Can you believe that? We’re wasting 90% of what God has given to us!
I believe God has given us more capacities than we think we have.
The ultimate crime is that we belittle ourselves.
We think we’re insects, so we live an insect life, but actually—we’re giants!
Because of this, I believe you can earn a ten times more than whatever you’re earning right now. You can help ten times the number of people you’re helping now. You can serve ten times more than whatever service you’re doing now.
Don’t limit yourself.
You’re bigger than you think you are.
Key #2:
Be Consistent With The Fundamentals
Every morning, I enjoy time with God.
Every morning, I chew on His Word—the Bible.
Every morning, I pray, “Lord, let me love every person I meet today.”
Every morning, I read my life mission, my list of dreams, and my annual goals.
And throughout the day, instead of exposing myself to bad news, I digest good news available around me: I voraciously read inspiring books and listen to inspiring audio talks.
Every night, like a little boy, I kneel beside my bed and thank God for His blessings of that day.
In other words, the reason why I live such an exciting life is because I’m boring.
I’m monotonous.
I’m repetitive.
I do the same basic things again and again and again and again…
I now realize that the reason I can do all those thrilling, exciting, exhilarating stuff is because I do the boring basics every single day of my life. Everyday, I’m grateful. Everyday, I think positive. Everyday, I love. Everyday, I select what I watch, what I read, what I listen to—and stick to what can make me grow. Every single day.
The more I live on planet earth, the more I agree with Jim Rohn when he said that “There’s really nothing mysterious or magical about success. Success is simply the consistent application of fundamentals.”
Be boringly consistent when it comes to the basics.
And in time, you’ll find exciting success knocking at your door.
Key #3:
Focus On Your Core Gift
I have very few talents. Honest!
I don’t know how to cook, how to dance, how to write a computer program, and how to solve the Rubix cube. I don’t know how to do geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. I’m totally lost in chemistry, physics, and biology. I also can’t fix a leaking faucet or do carpentry or repair my car.
But this is what I can do very well: Communicate.
So I focus my entire life on that one thing.
I write well and I speak well. Period.
And I delegate everything to people who are better than I am.
Ask yourself now: What is my core gift?
I have a general rule I follow in my life: I don’t like complicating things just to impress you. So instead of giving you 329 psychological questions filled with scientific babble to discover your core gift (so I could impress you on how intelligent I am), let me just boil it down to 2 very simple questions. Stop reading this book until you answered both of these questions.
· What do you enjoy doing?
· What are you good at
For some of you, it’s technology.
For some of you, it’s teaching.
For some of you, it’s selling stuff.
For some of you, it’s cooking.
For some of you, it’s music.
For some of you, it’s advanced trigonometry. (Yes, I’ve heard there are such strange creatures walking on the face of the earth.)
Key #4:
Build Your Network
My wealth isn’t my money.
My real wealth is my network of friends.
Personally, I don’t think anything great is accomplished without a team.
Even Jesus had a team around him.
A few months ago, I was reading about the interesting world of horse-pulling competitions.
That’s where huge horses the size of elephants pull massive concrete blocks behind them.
Did you know that the grand champion horse could pull the incredible weight of 4,500 pounds? If the average weight of a Filipino is 140 pounds (which happens to be my weight before I eat my breakfast), that means this super horse could carry 32 Filipinos—without wheels! That monster could pull me, my wife, my kids, my parents, my siblings, their spouses, their kids, and all my in-laws combined.
And the second placer horse can pull only slightly lower than the first placer: 4,400 pounds.
That was when the organizers got curious. If these two horses pulled together, how many pounds could they carry? Could they pull 8,900 pounds?
They harnessed both horses and were shocked with the results.
Both horses, when pulling together, carried the mind-blowing weight of 12,000 pounds. That’s 85 Filipinos.
My message? Teams are powerful.
Alone, I can do a lot of things. But with my team, I don’t add but multiply what I can do.
I keep networking. I circulate. I meet people. I build bridges.
So I surround myself with a bunch of people who have impeccable character and fantastic skills. I network with Mentors, Preachers, Administrators, Accountants, Programmers, Lawyers, Financial Wizards, Multi-millionaires, Media Experts, Businessmen, Architects, Engineers, etc…
And everyday, I constantly expand my team.
Key #5:
Create An Autopilot System
Every time I enter into a project, I always do it with a team around me. Never alone. And I choose my team well.
I have a very simple criteria: I choose men and women who are humble (teamplayers) and who are experts in their field. In other words, I search for impeccable character and fantastic skills.
And together, we create a system for the project that’s replicable and duplicable.
In other words, it’s got to run on autopilot without my direct supervision.
Here’s my ideal leader: If I appoint someone to be project head (or organization director or business manager), and after six months, I don’t want him to bother me anymore except for major directional issues. If he still bothers me for tiny matters, I’ve chosen the wrong leader—or I trained him wrongly.
If You Love, The Universe Opens Up To You
Here’s what I’ve learned: Love is limitless! It has no boundaries.
I do what I do because I want to love people.
Each morning, I wake up and ask myself, “How can I bless people today?”
And so I stretch. I go just a teensy bit beyond what I think is my limit—and my capacities expand—because I want to bless the world.
Post-interview thoughts
Just returned from my interview.
The interviewers will have to go back to Church Council with what we discussed and work from there.
For myself, I gained a better appreciation of the work our pastor and Op Shop manager currently do that is unmentioned but nevertheless necessary - answering the phone, manning the book shop, answering queries on funeral and baptism service fees, organizing wreaths to be sent to funerals of members...
There will be even more work next year when the church is in transition, as records and minutes have to be archived and documentation put in order for the big move.
And there are things being done by various volunteers which can be consolidated under my job description, as well as things that need to be done but which no one is doing.
It'll be interesting to see how God uses my talents.
The interviewers will have to go back to Church Council with what we discussed and work from there.
For myself, I gained a better appreciation of the work our pastor and Op Shop manager currently do that is unmentioned but nevertheless necessary - answering the phone, manning the book shop, answering queries on funeral and baptism service fees, organizing wreaths to be sent to funerals of members...
There will be even more work next year when the church is in transition, as records and minutes have to be archived and documentation put in order for the big move.
And there are things being done by various volunteers which can be consolidated under my job description, as well as things that need to be done but which no one is doing.
It'll be interesting to see how God uses my talents.
Monday, November 01, 2010
The Preacher In Blue Jeans
Discovered Filipino preacher and entrepreneur Bo Sanchez's blog tonight and haven't been able to stop reading.
I watched the latest video on his Preacher in Blue Jeans site and was fascinated to see his audience was standing throughout his sermon.
He writes so simply, so authentically so powerfully.
And I agree with just about everything he says. He affirms what I already know and believe, and he does it with great conviction, clarity and persuasiveness.
Even though I've never met him, I like him already.
Now that's the power of a truly magnetic personality.
I watched the latest video on his Preacher in Blue Jeans site and was fascinated to see his audience was standing throughout his sermon.
He writes so simply, so authentically so powerfully.
And I agree with just about everything he says. He affirms what I already know and believe, and he does it with great conviction, clarity and persuasiveness.
Even though I've never met him, I like him already.
Now that's the power of a truly magnetic personality.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
The Courage to Challenge
From this week's church bulletin:
Dear God,
If I am completely honest with you, for some reason I am reluctant to share my story of faith with others.
Most times I prefer people to catch my faith rather than for them to comprehend it through a conversation with them.
This week I ask Lord that you will use my life as an example but also as an explanation of what you have done in and through me by Jesus Christ.
Help me to trust you to do the work of changing people's lives.
It is not my job to change people, just to challenge them.
Your Holy Spirit working in and through me and on those who you are speaking to through me is the one who makes the difference.
How did my pastor know what lies heavy on my heart this morning?
Last night, I denied the Lord.
I had a non-believing friend over for dinner.
As we were about to tuck in, my husband indicated from across the table that I should lead the prayer of thanksgiving. Everyone bowed their heads, even our guest. I was stunned, thinking my husband must have made a mistake. I frantically gestured to him that we couldn't do that because our guest was not a believer and it would be rude to impose our faith on her. There came a few tense moments as we gestured back and forth, causing an air of uncertainty on my part as to what was the right thing to do, and on the part of the rest. They must have wondered, what was going on? In the end, I said a lame "Tuck in!" and everyone fell to the meal.
But at what cost?
On reflection, I could easily have given thanks the way we usually do at home, and perhaps our guest would have gone along with it, accepting it as the custom of our family.
It would have spoken volumes of our faith.
Especially when there was a plaque on the wall behind me declaring "Christ is the Head of this house, the Unseen Guest at every meal, the Silent Listener to every conversation".
For the sake of courtesy and not wanting to offend, I forfeited the opportunity to give glory to God and to declare my affiliation with pride.
The whole night long, I was mortified over the incident. I asked God's forgiveness for my lack of faithfulness, for fearing men rather than God.
I feel God's quiet rebuke and admonishment but also His generous compassion and forgiveness. In response, there rises in me a determination to rise to His challenge, to share my life and my faith without apology and without fear.
God grant me the ability to stand up for His name from this moment on, so that I will never again sell out Jesus for fear of someone else's opinion.
Dear God,
If I am completely honest with you, for some reason I am reluctant to share my story of faith with others.
Most times I prefer people to catch my faith rather than for them to comprehend it through a conversation with them.
This week I ask Lord that you will use my life as an example but also as an explanation of what you have done in and through me by Jesus Christ.
Help me to trust you to do the work of changing people's lives.
It is not my job to change people, just to challenge them.
Your Holy Spirit working in and through me and on those who you are speaking to through me is the one who makes the difference.
How did my pastor know what lies heavy on my heart this morning?
Last night, I denied the Lord.
I had a non-believing friend over for dinner.
As we were about to tuck in, my husband indicated from across the table that I should lead the prayer of thanksgiving. Everyone bowed their heads, even our guest. I was stunned, thinking my husband must have made a mistake. I frantically gestured to him that we couldn't do that because our guest was not a believer and it would be rude to impose our faith on her. There came a few tense moments as we gestured back and forth, causing an air of uncertainty on my part as to what was the right thing to do, and on the part of the rest. They must have wondered, what was going on? In the end, I said a lame "Tuck in!" and everyone fell to the meal.
But at what cost?
On reflection, I could easily have given thanks the way we usually do at home, and perhaps our guest would have gone along with it, accepting it as the custom of our family.
It would have spoken volumes of our faith.
Especially when there was a plaque on the wall behind me declaring "Christ is the Head of this house, the Unseen Guest at every meal, the Silent Listener to every conversation".
For the sake of courtesy and not wanting to offend, I forfeited the opportunity to give glory to God and to declare my affiliation with pride.
The whole night long, I was mortified over the incident. I asked God's forgiveness for my lack of faithfulness, for fearing men rather than God.
I feel God's quiet rebuke and admonishment but also His generous compassion and forgiveness. In response, there rises in me a determination to rise to His challenge, to share my life and my faith without apology and without fear.
God grant me the ability to stand up for His name from this moment on, so that I will never again sell out Jesus for fear of someone else's opinion.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Second Song
A new song came to me from God yesterday, Wed 13 Oct 2010.
Two songs in one week! What are the odds? But with God, nothing is impossible.
I had started out by setting myself a challenge to write a song around our home group Bible study theme for the week: A Praying Church.
The study verses - Phil. 4:4-9 and Acts 4:23-31.
The Philippians song, Do Not Be Anxious, was written on 11 Oct and finalized on 12 Oct. Videos and story here.
The Acts song is called The Song of Peter and John.
I was so inspired by the courage and eloquence of Peter and John when hauled before the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law.
Their alleged offence: teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.
Two uneducated blue-collar types who had been with Jesus and seen Him crucified and resurrected, going out to share boldly with anyone who would listen.
When asked in whose name they preached, they refused to back down even though they had just come out of jail and were being offered the chance to avoid getting on the wrong side of the law again and to stay below the radar.
How many of us today, if asked to pipe down on our personal beliefs and values and to stay low, would dare openly challenge the authorities?
My song is based on two particular verses:
12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
"Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."
Strong words spoken by strong men.
Enjoy...
Song of Peter and John
Lyrics: Acts 4:12, 19-20
Composer: Serena Low (as given by The Songwriter on 13 Oct 2010)
Verse
Salvation is found in no one else
There is no other name
Under heaven given to men
Salvation is found in no one else
There is no other name
By which we must be saved
Chorus
Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's eyes
To obey man rather than God
For we cannot help
Speaking of what we have seen and heard
There is no other name
There is no other name
By which we're saved
Two songs in one week! What are the odds? But with God, nothing is impossible.
I had started out by setting myself a challenge to write a song around our home group Bible study theme for the week: A Praying Church.
The study verses - Phil. 4:4-9 and Acts 4:23-31.
The Philippians song, Do Not Be Anxious, was written on 11 Oct and finalized on 12 Oct. Videos and story here.
The Acts song is called The Song of Peter and John.
I was so inspired by the courage and eloquence of Peter and John when hauled before the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law.
Their alleged offence: teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.
Two uneducated blue-collar types who had been with Jesus and seen Him crucified and resurrected, going out to share boldly with anyone who would listen.
When asked in whose name they preached, they refused to back down even though they had just come out of jail and were being offered the chance to avoid getting on the wrong side of the law again and to stay below the radar.
How many of us today, if asked to pipe down on our personal beliefs and values and to stay low, would dare openly challenge the authorities?
My song is based on two particular verses:
12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
"Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."
Strong words spoken by strong men.
Enjoy...
Song of Peter and John
Lyrics: Acts 4:12, 19-20
Composer: Serena Low (as given by The Songwriter on 13 Oct 2010)
Verse
Salvation is found in no one else
There is no other name
Under heaven given to men
Salvation is found in no one else
There is no other name
By which we must be saved
Chorus
Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's eyes
To obey man rather than God
For we cannot help
Speaking of what we have seen and heard
There is no other name
There is no other name
By which we're saved
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
A New Song
It's been 24 years since I last wrote a song.
I was very active in songwriting between Sec 2 and Sec 4 at RGS. Took part in the National Songwriting Competition for Schools and RGS Night, had my own singing group (The Amateurs!) and even won a couple of awards. Writing songs was fun, and a great way to channel some of that adolescent angst.
Then...it stopped in JC. No songs came. The inspiration just dried up. I told myself that God giveth, and God had taken away ('blessed be the Lord' was a bit harder to admit though).
Over the years, I've kept up with the piano at a recreational level, playing for church and for pleasure. I enjoy some Kevin Kern-esque moments and what some friends call tinkling (the ivories).
Then yesterday, it happened.
Just like that, the flow started.
I was reflecting on Philippians 4: 4-9 (because it was the study verse for our group bible study) and wondering if there was a way to put some of the words to music.
And this is what He gave me.
Praise be to God the creator and author of all things good!
The song starts on a minor key (to reflect the listener's current discouraged state), builds up energy at the bridge (when the writer suggests how we can handle our anxieties), then rings out triumphantly in a major key at the chorus, loops back to the verse and chorus, repeats the chorus and ends in a four-fold Amen inspired by the ending of Benediction (The Lord Whom We Love) as sung by Budak Pantai (my fave SG acapella group) on their Budakumentary album.
Here's the short version, which was the fruit of the first day's work...
And here's the full version, which was created today!
I was very active in songwriting between Sec 2 and Sec 4 at RGS. Took part in the National Songwriting Competition for Schools and RGS Night, had my own singing group (The Amateurs!) and even won a couple of awards. Writing songs was fun, and a great way to channel some of that adolescent angst.
Then...it stopped in JC. No songs came. The inspiration just dried up. I told myself that God giveth, and God had taken away ('blessed be the Lord' was a bit harder to admit though).
Over the years, I've kept up with the piano at a recreational level, playing for church and for pleasure. I enjoy some Kevin Kern-esque moments and what some friends call tinkling (the ivories).
Then yesterday, it happened.
Just like that, the flow started.
I was reflecting on Philippians 4: 4-9 (because it was the study verse for our group bible study) and wondering if there was a way to put some of the words to music.
And this is what He gave me.
Praise be to God the creator and author of all things good!
DO NOT BE ANXIOUS
Lyrics: Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Music: Serena Low (as given by The Songwriter on 11 Oct 2010)
Verse
Do not be anxious about anything
Do not be anxious but in everything
By prayer and petition
With thanksgiving
Present your requests to God
Chorus
And the peace of God
And the peace of God
That surpasses all understanding
Will keep your hearts
Will keep your minds
In Jesus, in Jesus
Verse
Do not be anxious about anything
Do not be anxious but in everything
By prayer and petition
With thanksgiving
Present your requests to God
Chorus
And the peace of God
And the peace of God
That surpasses all understanding
Will keep your hearts
Will keep your minds
In Jesus, in Jesus
Repeat chorus
Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen
About the songThe song starts on a minor key (to reflect the listener's current discouraged state), builds up energy at the bridge (when the writer suggests how we can handle our anxieties), then rings out triumphantly in a major key at the chorus, loops back to the verse and chorus, repeats the chorus and ends in a four-fold Amen inspired by the ending of Benediction (The Lord Whom We Love) as sung by Budak Pantai (my fave SG acapella group) on their Budakumentary album.
Here's the short version, which was the fruit of the first day's work...
And here's the full version, which was created today!
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
He's not like us (Thank God)
He accepts you at your worst
He is hoping for the best
Jesus loves you
Jesus loves you
He will never ever leave you
He will never forsake you
Jesus loves you
Jesus loves you
He is proud of who you are
He has faith in who you'll become
He's not like us
He loves you just because
Brokenhearted
Do you want your healing?
Oh trust again
There is love in His right hand
He is hoping for the best
Jesus loves you
Jesus loves you
He will never ever leave you
He will never forsake you
Jesus loves you
Jesus loves you
He is proud of who you are
He has faith in who you'll become
He's not like us
He loves you just because
Brokenhearted
Do you want your healing?
Oh trust again
There is love in His right hand
What I wish I had the Charisma and Courage to do
To shout and praise God uninhibited, unconscious of what people might think or say -
"What does that woman think she's doing? Is she trying to draw attention to herself?"
"Is that Serena dancing and jumping around on stage?"
Even King David was mocked by his first wife Michal when he danced down the streets praising God in just a loincloth.
Not a good look, we would say here.
But if the Spirit suddenly overcame you and you felt you could burst if you held it in anymore, wouldn't you do as MWS does in this video?
Watch him brim over with barely contained glee, like he's just discovered the greatest secret in the world, and take everyone along for the ride!
Dare you and I do it?
Gotta let the world know
Take it to the streets
I'm gonna dance and sing
And let out a shout of praise!
Hallelujah
The river is rising!
"What does that woman think she's doing? Is she trying to draw attention to herself?"
"Is that Serena dancing and jumping around on stage?"
Even King David was mocked by his first wife Michal when he danced down the streets praising God in just a loincloth.
Not a good look, we would say here.
But if the Spirit suddenly overcame you and you felt you could burst if you held it in anymore, wouldn't you do as MWS does in this video?
Watch him brim over with barely contained glee, like he's just discovered the greatest secret in the world, and take everyone along for the ride!
Dare you and I do it?
Gotta let the world know
Take it to the streets
I'm gonna dance and sing
And let out a shout of praise!
Hallelujah
The river is rising!
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